First look at Imelda Staunton and cast in rehearsals for National Theatre's Follies

Rehearsal pictures have today been released for Follies, which begins previews at the National Theatre on 22 August.

The cast of 37, lead by Imelda Staunton, Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Zizi Strallen, is joined by an orchestra of 21 in the first staging of Stephen Sondheim's legendary musical at the venue. Sondheim’s previous work at the National includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.

With book by James Goldman, the show is set in '70s New York and follows the reunion of the Follie girls in a crumbling Broadway theatre which is scheduled for demolition.

Directed by Dominic Cooke, the musical includes songs such as "Losing My Mind", "I'm Still Here" and "Could I Leave You?".

Follies will open at the National Theatre on 6 September, with previews from 22 August.